Optimized Handling of Traffic Management-Initiated Access Change

ABSTRACT

A method performed by a first base station associated with a preferred access network includes initiating a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network in response to fulfillment of a condition. Information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change is transmitted to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network. The information also indicates that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in general, to wireless communications and, more particularly, systems and methods for optimized handling of traffic management-initiated access change.

BACKGROUND

Standardization work is ongoing on NR as new radio access and 5GC as new packet core network. 3GPP RAN has defined a couple of scenarios, for which work is either ongoing or planned. FIG. 1 illustrates some example scenarios defined by 3GPP RAN. It may be noted that option 1, depicted in FIG. 1, is today's LTE/EPC network.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, both LTE and NR will be connected to the NGCN/5GC. LTE will also connect to EPC partly to serve legacy UEs but also new UEs utilizing scenario 3 where NR is anchored in EPC/LTE (supported as an additional data carrier to LTE).

FIG. 2 illustrates the 5GC architecture overview, including interworking to EPC.

The RAN instructs the UE which neighbor cells to measure. The UE provides the measurement reports to the RAN and then RAN determines whether there is a need to perform handover to a cell of the same radio technology or to a cell of a different radio technology. Also SRVCC from LTE to 2G/3G is normally initiated by LTE eNB based on measurement reports.

The model depicted in FIG. 2 enables that seamless interworking between the two LTE and NR/NG-RAN via procedures in EPC and 5GC which implies as example a voice call over NG-RAN/5GC can be moved to LTE/EPC when both access are voice capable. It implies though that voice QoS is supported on both radio accesses.

The early 5G option 2 deployments will use the EPS Fallback procedure, where the UE is moved from NR/5GS to LTE/EPS at call establishment, such that the UE may be forced to another access. For example, the access change may be forced by lack of voice service in NR/5GS, leading to the UE using the non-preferred access after the EPS Fallback.

Certain problems exist, however. For example, when a UE is forced by traffic management functionality, for example by EPS Fallback, to another access, the preferred access will not be used again until the UE can perform a cell selection in idle mode or the RF conditions will be such that mobility to the preferred access occurs.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. For example, according to certain embodiments, a UE that is forced by the network traffic management to change access may return to the preferred access as soon as the condition forcing the move ends. Accordingly, according to certain embodiments, the knowledge of the forced/managed move, the condition for the forced/managed move and the original access may be conveyed to the involved nodes.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a first base station associated with a preferred access network includes initiating a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network in response to fulfillment of a condition. Information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change is transmitted to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network. The information also indicates that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a first base station associated with a non-preferred access network includes receiving, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network. Information is received from the second base station associated with the preferred access network that indicates that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled. It is then determined that the condition is no longer fulfilled and the second handover of the wireless device is initiated to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network.

According to certain embodiments, a first base station includes processing circuitry configured to initiate a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network in response to fulfillment of a condition. The processing circuitry is configured to transmit information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network. The information also indicates that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.

According to certain embodiments, a first base station associated with a non-preferred access network includes processing circuitry configured to receive, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network. The processing circuitry is also configured to receive information from the second base station associated with the preferred access network that indicates that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled. The processing circuitry is then configured to determine that the condition is no longer fulfilled and initiate the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. For example, one technical advantage may be that certain embodiments enable a UE that is moved by traffic management, for example by EPS Fallback, to a non-preferred access to return as soon as possible to the preferred access, since the non-preferred access has the necessary information to actively move the UE back when it is allowed.

Other advantages may be readily apparent to one having skill in the art. Certain embodiments may have none, some, or all of the recited advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates some example scenarios defined by 3GPP RAN;

FIG. 2 illustrates the 5GC architecture overview, including interworking to EPC;

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical EPS Fallback procedure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a modified EPS Fallback procedure, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example wireless network, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example network node, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example wireless device, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrate an example user equipment, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a virtualization environment in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example method by a base station associated with a preferred access network, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary virtual computing device, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 18 illustrates another example method by a base station associated with a preferred access network, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 19 illustrates another exemplary virtual computing device, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 20 illustrates an example method by a base station associated with a non-preferred access network, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 21 illustrates another exemplary virtual computing device, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 22 illustrates another example method by a base station associated with a non-preferred access network, according to certain embodiments; and

FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary virtual computing device, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a UE (directly or via another node) and/or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. MSC, MME, etc.), O&M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g. E-SMLC), MDT, test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting term user equipment (UE) or wireless device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category M1, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

Additionally, terminologies such as base station/gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNB, or UE.

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical EPS Fallback procedure 10, according to certain embodiments As depicted, the typical EPS Fallback procedure 10 includes:

-   -   1. UE camping on NR/5GC and PDU session for “default bearer” on         IMS APN being setup.     -   2. MO or MT call initiated.     -   3. UE or network initiated PDU session modification (“dedicated         bearer”) for voice.     -   4. Trigger for HO in gNB (if NR).     -   5. Handover to LTE initiated by gNB, optional indication that         the PDU session is being established.     -   6. The gNB indicates to the UE that the QoS Flow is being         established and resources will be available after a subsequent         handover, i.e., resource are not yet established, but will be         available once a subsequent handover is completed.     -   7. Resources in target RAN and QCI=1 and QCI=5 bearer in core         network are prepared (note: other bearers depending on which QoS         flows have been established in 5G are also prepared).     -   8. Further Handover signaling including in the Handover Command.     -   9. UE changes to LTE and continues call setup on IMS level,         knowing that QCI=1 bearer is established.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modified EPS Fallback procedure 50, according to certain embodiments As depicted, the modified EPS Fallback procedure 50 includes:

-   -   1. UE camping on NR/5GC and PDU session for “default bearer” on         IMS APN being setup.     -   2. MO or MT call initiated.     -   3. UE or network initiated PDU session modification (“dedicated         bearer”) for voice.     -   4. Trigger for HO in gNB (if NR).     -   5. Handover to LTE initiated by gNB, optional indication that         the PDUs session is being established. As illustrated in FIG. 4,         information is transmitted to the target eNB in a Source To         Target Transparent Container 55, which includes a reason for HO,         in this case EPS Fallback, the current RAT, and the current 5GS         PLMN ID.     -   6. The gNB indicates to the UE that the QoS Flow is being         established and resources will be available after a subsequent         handover, i.e., resource are not yet established, but will be         available once a subsequent handover is completed.     -   7. Resources in target RAN and QCI=1 and QCI=5 bearer in core         network are prepared (note: other bearers depending on which QoS         flows have been established in 5G are also prepared).     -   8. Further Handover signaling including in the Handover Command         the Target To Source Transparent Container 60 containing         information if the target eNB supports the optimized handling.     -   9. UE changes to LTE and continues call setup on IMS level,         knowing that QCI=1 bearer is established.         -   The target eNB node is prepared and knows that the UE has             been subject to EPS Fallback. It should not be subject to HO             to NR/5GS as long as the call is established, while it             should be moved to NR/5GS asap when the call is released.             According to certain embodiments, if the UE is subject to             mobility within the non-preferred access network the             information, when the condition which forces the access             change, in this case the voice call ends, the current eNB             needs to use the provided information in the Source To             Target Transparent Container 55 to move the UE back to the             preferred access in the correct PLMN. The eNB should             indicate in the Source To Target Transparent Container 55             that the HO is due to return from a forced access change.

According to certain embodiments, the Source to Target Transparent Container is sent from the source network node to the target network node. Conversely, the Target to Source Transparent Container is sent from the target network to the source network node. The containers are considered transparent with respect to the core network nodes since the core network nodes don't look into it or change the data therein. As a result, the core network nodes don't need to understand the structure and content of the containers. Rather, the structure and content of such containers are understood by the network nodes, which may include base stations, in particular embodiments.

According to certain embodiments, the information in the Source To Target Transparent Container 55 may be used for admission purposes, as it may reduce the risk of rejecting a UE moved by traffic management.

Other possible reasons to move the UE to another access may include:

-   -   Service related         -   positioning         -   PTT         -   video telephony     -   Traffic characteristics related         -   Current delay/throughput requirements may be fulfilled in             other lower utilized access         -   . . . .

According to certain embodiments, the Source To Target Transparent Container 55 may contain:

-   -   In the forward direction:         -   Reason (EPS Fallback, Load Management, . . . )         -   Return trigger (Release of QCI 1, Throughput demand above X             kbps, . . . )             -   NOTE: A timer might be needed for example in the case                 where the return trigger is “Release of QCI 1”, i.e. if                 no QCI 1 is established within time T initiate the                 return.         -   Origin access description (RAT, PLMN ID, . . . )             -   NOTE: RAT may for example for NR specify EN-DC                 sufficient, hence a UE moved from 5GS Option 2 may be                 moved back to EPC Option 3× if stated sufficient.     -   In the return direction         -   Return-Reason (EPS Fallback, Load Management, . . . )

According to certain embodiments, the Target To Source Transparent Container 60 may contain:

-   -   In the forward direction:         -   ACK/NACK of requested handling         -   Cause             The forward direction is when the UE is moved by the traffic             management intervention, i.e. when the target RAN node is             using the non-preferred access. The return direction is when             the UE is moved back.

FIG. 5 illustrates a wireless network, in accordance with some embodiments. Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any appropriate type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are described in relation to a wireless network, such as the example wireless network illustrated in FIG. 5. For simplicity, the wireless network of FIG. 5 only depicts network 106, network nodes 160 and 160 b, and wireless devices 110, 110 b, and 110 c. In practice, a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable to support communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device, such as a landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or end device. Of the illustrated components, network node 160 and wireless device 110 are depicted with additional detail. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate the wireless devices' access to and/or use of the services provided by, or via, the wireless network.

The wireless network may comprise and/or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, and/or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wireless network may be configured to operate according to specific standards or other types of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, particular embodiments of the wireless network may implement communication standards, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and/or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 standards; and/or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and/or ZigBee standards.

Network 106 may comprise one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet data networks, optical networks, wide-area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks to enable communication between devices.

Network node 160 and wireless device 110 comprise various components described in more detail below. These components work together in order to provide network node and/or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connections in a wireless network. In different embodiments, the wireless network may comprise any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and/or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and/or signals whether via wired or wireless connections.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example network node 160, according to certain embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and/or with other network nodes or equipment in the wireless network to enable and/or provide wireless access to the wireless device and/or to perform other functions (e.g., administration) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)). Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and may then also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and/or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Yet further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell/multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., MSCs, MMEs), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLCs), and/or MDTs. As another example, a network node may be a virtual network node as described in more detail below. More generally, however, network nodes may represent any suitable device (or group of devices) capable, configured, arranged, and/or operable to enable and/or provide a wireless device with access to the wireless network or to provide some service to a wireless device that has accessed the wireless network.

In FIG. 6, network node 160 includes processing circuitry 170, device readable medium 180, interface 190, auxiliary equipment 184, power source 186, power circuitry 187, and antenna 162. Although network node 160 illustrated in the example wireless network of FIG. 5 may represent a device that includes the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise network nodes with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that a network node comprises any suitable combination of hardware and/or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Moreover, while the components of network node 160 are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, a network node may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., device readable medium 180 may comprise multiple separate hard drives as well as multiple RAM modules).

Similarly, network node 160 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which network node 160 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeB's. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, network node 160 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate device readable medium 180 for the different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 162 may be shared by the RATs). Network node 160 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 160, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 160.

Processing circuitry 170 is configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by a network node. These operations performed by processing circuitry 170 may include processing information obtained by processing circuitry 170 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination.

Processing circuitry 170 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 160 components, such as device readable medium 180, network node 160 functionality. For example, processing circuitry 170 may execute instructions stored in device readable medium 180 or in memory within processing circuitry 170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB or other such network device may be performed by processing circuitry 170 executing instructions stored on device readable medium 180 or memory within processing circuitry 170. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by processing circuitry 170 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device readable medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storage medium or not, processing circuitry 170 can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuitry 170 alone or to other components of network node 160 but are enjoyed by network node 160 as a whole, and/or by end users and the wireless network generally.

Device readable medium 180 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by processing circuitry 170. Device readable medium 180 may store any suitable instructions, data or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by processing circuitry 170 and, utilized by network node 160. Device readable medium 180 may be used to store any calculations made by processing circuitry 170 and/or any data received via interface 190. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 and device readable medium 180 may be considered to be integrated.

Interface 190 is used in the wired or wireless communication of signalling and/or data between network node 160, network 106, and/or wireless devices 110. As illustrated, interface 190 comprises port(s)/terminal(s) 194 to send and receive data, for example to and from network 106 over a wired connection. Interface 190 also includes radio front end circuitry 192 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, antenna 162. Radio front end circuitry 192 comprises filters 198 and amplifiers 196. Radio front end circuitry 192 may be connected to antenna 162 and processing circuitry 170. Radio front end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 162 and processing circuitry 170. Radio front end circuitry 192 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry 192 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 198 and/or amplifiers 196. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 162. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 162 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry 192. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry 170. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

In certain alternative embodiments, network node 160 may not include separate radio front end circuitry 192, instead, processing circuitry 170 may comprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected to antenna 162 without separate radio front end circuitry 192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of RF transceiver circuitry 172 may be considered a part of interface 190. In still other embodiments, interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 194, radio front end circuitry 192, and RF transceiver circuitry 172, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and interface 190 may communicate with baseband processing circuitry 174, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

Antenna 162 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals. Antenna 162 may be coupled to radio front end circuitry 190 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may comprise one or more omni-directional, sector or panel antennas operable to transmit/receive radio signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omni-directional antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals in any direction, a sector antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals from devices within a particular area, and a panel antenna may be a line of sight antenna used to transmit/receive radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, the use of more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, antenna 162 may be separate from network node 160 and may be connectable to network node 160 through an interface or port.

Antenna 162, interface 190, and/or processing circuitry 170 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and/or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a wireless device, another network node and/or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 162, interface 190, and/or processing circuitry 170 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and/or any other network equipment.

Power circuitry 187 may comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry and is configured to supply the components of network node 160 with power for performing the functionality described herein. Power circuitry 187 may receive power from power source 186. Power source 186 and/or power circuitry 187 may be configured to provide power to the various components of network node 160 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). Power source 186 may either be included in, or external to, power circuitry 187 and/or network node 160. For example, network node 160 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry 187. As a further example, power source 186 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry 187. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

Alternative embodiments of network node 160 may include additional components beyond those shown in FIG. 6 that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the network node's functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and/or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, network node 160 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into network node 160 and to allow output of information from network node 160. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for network node 160.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example wireless device 110, according to certain embodiments. As used herein, wireless device refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and/or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise noted, the term wireless device may be used interchangeably herein with user equipment (UE). Communicating wirelessly may involve transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through air. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a wireless device may be designed to transmit information to a network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the network. Examples of a wireless device include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a cell phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless cameras, a gaming console or device, a music storage device, a playback appliance, a wearable terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a tablet, a laptop, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a smart device, a wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE). a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, etc. A wireless device may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V21), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and may in this case be referred to as a D2D communication device. As yet another specific example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a wireless device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and/or measurements and transmits the results of such monitoring and/or measurements to another wireless device and/or a network node. The wireless device may in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the wireless device may be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances (e.g. refrigerators, televisions, etc.) personal wearables (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, a wireless device may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and/or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation. A wireless device as described above may represent the endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Furthermore, a wireless device as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

As illustrated, wireless device 110 includes antenna 111, interface 114, processing circuitry 120, device readable medium 130, user interface equipment 132, auxiliary equipment 134, power source 136 and power circuitry 137. Wireless device 110 may include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by wireless device 110, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, just to mention a few. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or set of chips as other components within wireless device 110.

Antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface 114. In certain alternative embodiments, antenna 111 may be separate from wireless device 110 and be connectable to wireless device 110 through an interface or port. Antenna 111, interface 114, and/or processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a wireless device. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a network node and/or another wireless device. In some embodiments, radio front end circuitry and/or antenna 111 may be considered an interface.

As illustrated, interface 114 comprises radio front end circuitry 112 and antenna 111. Radio front end circuitry 112 comprise one or more filters 118 and amplifiers 116. Radio front end circuitry 114 is connected to antenna 111 and processing circuitry 120 and is configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 111 and processing circuitry 120. Radio front end circuitry 112 may be coupled to or a part of antenna 111. In some embodiments, wireless device 110 may not include separate radio front end circuitry 112; rather, processing circuitry 120 may comprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected to antenna 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be considered a part of interface 114. Radio front end circuitry 112 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry 112 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 118 and/or amplifiers 116. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 111. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 111 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry 112. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry 120. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

Processing circuitry 120 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other wireless device 110 components, such as device readable medium 130, wireless device 110 functionality. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, processing circuitry 120 may execute instructions stored in device readable medium 130 or in memory within processing circuitry 120 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

As illustrated, processing circuitry 120 includes one or more of RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments processing circuitry 120 of wireless device 110 may comprise a SOC. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126 may be on separate chips or sets of chips. In alternative embodiments, part or all of baseband processing circuitry 124 and application processing circuitry 126 may be combined into one chip or set of chips, and RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In still alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122 and baseband processing circuitry 124 may be on the same chip or set of chips, and application processing circuitry 126 may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In yet other alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126 may be combined in the same chip or set of chips. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be a part of interface 114. RF transceiver circuitry 122 may condition RF signals for processing circuitry 120.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by a wireless device may be provided by processing circuitry 120 executing instructions stored on device readable medium 130, which in certain embodiments may be a computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by processing circuitry 120 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storage medium or not, processing circuitry 120 can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuitry 120 alone or to other components of wireless device 110, but are enjoyed by wireless device 110 as a whole, and/or by end users and the wireless network generally.

Processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by a wireless device. These operations, as performed by processing circuitry 120, may include processing information obtained by processing circuitry 120 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored by wireless device 110, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination.

Device readable medium 130 may be operable to store a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by processing circuitry 120. Device readable medium 130 may include computer memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and/or computer executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by processing circuitry 120. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 120 and device readable medium 130 may be considered to be integrated.

User interface equipment 132 may provide components that allow for a human user to interact with wireless device 110. Such interaction may be of many forms, such as visual, audial, tactile, etc. User interface equipment 132 may be operable to produce output to the user and to allow the user to provide input to wireless device 110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface equipment 132 installed in wireless device 110. For example, if wireless device 110 is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touch screen; if wireless device 110 is a smart meter, the interaction may be through a screen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alert (e.g., if smoke is detected). User interface equipment 132 may include input interfaces, devices and circuits, and output interfaces, devices and circuits. User interface equipment 132 is configured to allow input of information into wireless device 110 and is connected to processing circuitry 120 to allow processing circuitry 120 to process the input information. User interface equipment 132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, keys/buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuitry. User interface equipment 132 is also configured to allow output of information from wireless device 110, and to allow processing circuitry 120 to output information from wireless device 110. User interface equipment 132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, vibrating circuitry, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits, of user interface equipment 132, wireless device 110 may communicate with end users and/or the wireless network and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

Auxiliary equipment 134 is operable to provide more specific functionality which may not be generally performed by wireless devices. This may comprise specialized sensors for doing measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communications etc. The inclusion and type of components of auxiliary equipment 134 may vary depending on the embodiment and/or scenario.

Power source 136 may, in some embodiments, be in the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic devices or power cells, may also be used. Wireless device 110 may further comprise power circuitry 137 for delivering power from power source 136 to the various parts of wireless device 110 which need power from power source 136 to carry out any functionality described or indicated herein. Power circuitry 137 may in certain embodiments comprise power management circuitry. Power circuitry 137 may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source; in which case wireless device 110 may be connectable to the external power source (such as an electricity outlet) via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Power circuitry 137 may also in certain embodiments be operable to deliver power from an external power source to power source 136. This may be, for example, for the charging of power source 136. Power circuitry 137 may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from power source 136 to make the power suitable for the respective components of wireless device 110 to which power is supplied.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a UE in accordance with various aspects described herein. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and/or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter). UE 2200 may be any UE identified by the 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a NB-IoT UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and/or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. UE 200, as illustrated in FIG. 6, is one example of a wireless device configured for communication in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by the 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and/or 5G standards. As mentioned previously, the term wireless device and UE may be used interchangeable. Accordingly, although FIG. 6 is a UE, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to a wireless device, and vice-versa.

In FIG. 8, UE 200 includes processing circuitry 201 that is operatively coupled to input/output interface 205, radio frequency (RF) interface 209, network connection interface 211, memory 215 including random access memory (RAM) 217, read-only memory (ROM) 219, and storage medium 221 or the like, communication subsystem 231, power source 233, and/or any other component, or any combination thereof. Storage medium 221 includes operating system 223, application program 225, and data 227. In other embodiments, storage medium 221 may include other similar types of information. Certain UEs may utilize all of the components shown in FIG. 6, or only a subset of the components. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

In FIG. 8, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. Processing circuitry 201 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute machine instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored program, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

In the depicted embodiment, input/output interface 205 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, output device, or input and output device. UE 200 may be configured to use an output device via input/output interface 205. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a USB port may be used to provide input to and output from UE 200. The output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof UE 200 may be configured to use an input device via input/output interface 205 to allow a user to capture information into UE 200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another like sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device may be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and an optical sensor.

In FIG. 8, RF interface 209 may be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. Network connection interface 211 may be configured to provide a communication interface to network 243 a. Network 243 a may encompass wired and/or wireless networks such as a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like network or any combination thereof. For example, network 243 a may comprise a Wi-Fi network. Network connection interface 211 may be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface used to communicate with one or more other devices over a communication network according to one or more communication protocols, such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, SONET, ATM, or the like. Network connection interface 211 may implement receiver and transmitter functionality appropriate to the communication network links (e.g., optical, electrical, and the like). The transmitter and receiver functions may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

RAM 217 may be configured to interface via bus 202 to processing circuitry 201 to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as the operating system, application programs, and device drivers. ROM 219 may be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuitry 201. For example, ROM 219 may be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I/O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from a keyboard that are stored in a non-volatile memory. Storage medium 221 may be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, or flash drives. In one example, storage medium 221 may be configured to include operating system 223, application program 225 such as a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine or another application, and data file 227. Storage medium 221 may store, for use by UE 200, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

Storage medium 221 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), floppy disk drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM/RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. Storage medium 221 may allow UE 200 to access computer-executable instructions, application programs or the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied in storage medium 221, which may comprise a device readable medium.

In FIG. 8, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicate with network 243 b using communication subsystem 231. Network 243 a and network 243 b may be the same network or networks or different network or networks. Communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with network 243 b. For example, communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication such as another wireless device, UE, or base station of a radio access network (RAN) according to one or more communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.2, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, or the like. Each transceiver may include transmitter 233 and/or receiver 235 to implement transmitter or receiver functionality, respectively, appropriate to the RAN links (e.g., frequency allocations and the like). Further, transmitter 233 and receiver 235 of each transceiver may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of communication subsystem 231 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, communication subsystem 231 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. Network 243 b may encompass wired and/or wireless networks such as a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like network or any combination thereof. For example, network 243 b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and/or a near-field network. Power source 213 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to components of UE 200.

The features, benefits and/or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE 200 or partitioned across multiple components of UE 200. Further, the features, benefits, and/or functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software or firmware. In one example, communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include any of the components described herein. Further, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicate with any of such components over bus 202. In another example, any of such components may be represented by program instructions stored in memory that when executed by processing circuitry 201 perform the corresponding functions described herein. In another example, the functionality of any of such components may be partitioned between processing circuitry 201 and communication subsystem 231. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or to a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device or any other type of communication device) or components thereof and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines or containers executing on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes 330. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node), then the network node may be entirely virtualized.

The functions may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operative to implement some of the features, functions, and/or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. Applications 320 are run in virtualization environment 300 which provides hardware 330 comprising processing circuitry 360 and memory 390. Memory 390 contains instructions 395 executable by processing circuitry 360 whereby application 320 is operative to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and/or functions disclosed herein.

Virtualization environment 300, comprises general-purpose or special-purpose network hardware devices 330 comprising a set of one or more processors or processing circuitry 360, which may be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, dedicated Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuitry including digital or analog hardware components or special purpose processors. Each hardware device may comprise memory 390-1 which may be non-persistent memory for temporarily storing instructions 395 or software executed by processing circuitry 360. Each hardware device may comprise one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, also known as network interface cards, which include physical network interface 380. Each hardware device may also include non-transitory, persistent, machine-readable storage media 390-2 having stored therein software 395 and/or instructions executable by processing circuitry 360. Software 395 may include any type of software including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 350 (also referred to as hypervisors), software to execute virtual machines 340 as well as software allowing it to execute functions, features and/or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein.

Virtual machines 340, comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of the instance of virtual appliance 320 may be implemented on one or more of virtual machines 340, and the implementations may be made in different ways.

During operation, processing circuitry 360 executes software 395 to instantiate the hypervisor or virtualization layer 350, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). Virtualization layer 350 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to virtual machine 340.

As shown in FIG. 9, hardware 330 may be a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 330 may comprise antenna 3225 and may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 330 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 3100, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 320.

Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

In the context of NFV, virtual machine 340 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of virtual machines 340, and that part of hardware 330 that executes that virtual machine, be it hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and/or hardware shared by that virtual machine with others of the virtual machines 340, forms a separate virtual network elements (VNE).

Still in the context of NFV, Virtual Network Function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more virtual machines 340 on top of hardware networking infrastructure 330 and corresponds to application 320 in FIG. 7.

In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200 that each include one or more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210 may be coupled to one or more antennas 3225. Radio units 3200 may communicate directly with hardware nodes 330 via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station.

In some embodiments, some signaling can be affected with the use of control system 3230 which may alternatively be used for communication between the hardware nodes 330 and radio units 3200.

FIG. 10 illustrates a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer in accordance with some embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system includes telecommunication network 410, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises access network 411, such as a radio access network, and core network 414. Access network 411 comprises a plurality of base stations 412 a, 412 b, 412 c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 413 a, 413 b, 413 c. Each base station 412 a, 412 b, 412 c is connectable to core network 414 over a wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 located in coverage area 413 c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station 412 c. A second UE 492 in coverage area 413 a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 412 a. While a plurality of UEs 491, 492 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station 412.

Telecommunication network 410 is itself connected to host computer 430, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. Host computer 430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Connections 421 and 422 between telecommunication network 410 and host computer 430 may extend directly from core network 414 to host computer 430 or may go via an optional intermediate network 420. Intermediate network 420 may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network; intermediate network 420, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, intermediate network 420 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system of FIG. 10 as a whole enables connectivity between the connected UEs 491, 492 and host computer 430. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450. Host computer 430 and the connected UEs 491, 492 are configured to communicate data and/or signaling via OTT connection 450, using access network 411, core network 414, any intermediate network 420 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. OTT connection 450 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which OTT connection 450 passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, base station 412 may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from host computer 430 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected UE 491. Similarly, base station 412 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the UE 491 towards the host computer 430.

FIG. 11 illustrates a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 11. In communication system 500, host computer 510 comprises hardware 515 including communication interface 516 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 500. Host computer 510 further comprises processing circuitry 518, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 518 may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Host computer 510 further comprises software 511, which is stored in or accessible by host computer 510 and executable by processing circuitry 518. Software 511 includes host application 512. Host application 512 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as UE 530 connecting via OTT connection 550 terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providing the service to the remote user, host application 512 may provide user data which is transmitted using OTT connection 550.

Communication system 500 further includes base station 520 provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware 525 enabling it to communicate with host computer 510 and with UE 530. Hardware 525 may include communication interface 526 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 500, as well as radio interface 527 for setting up and maintaining at least wireless connection 570 with UE 530 located in a coverage area (not shown in FIG. 11) served by base station 520. Communication interface 526 may be configured to facilitate connection 560 to host computer 510. Connection 560 may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown in FIG. 11) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, hardware 525 of base station 520 further includes processing circuitry 528, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Base station 520 further has software 521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

Communication system 500 further includes UE 530 already referred to. Its hardware 535 may include radio interface 537 configured to set up and maintain wireless connection 570 with a base station serving a coverage area in which UE 530 is currently located. Hardware 535 of UE 530 further includes processing circuitry 538, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. UE 530 further comprises software 531, which is stored in or accessible by UE 530 and executable by processing circuitry 538. Software 531 includes client application 532. Client application 532 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via UE 530, with the support of host computer 510. In host computer 510, an executing host application 512 may communicate with the executing client application 532 via OTT connection 550 terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providing the service to the user, client application 532 may receive request data from host application 512 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 550 may transfer both the request data and the user data. Client application 532 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

It is noted that host computer 510, base station 520 and UE 530 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be similar or identical to host computer 430, one of base stations 412 a, 412 b, 412 c and one of UEs 491, 492 of FIG. 10, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entities may be as shown in FIG. 11 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 10.

In FIG. 11, OTT connection 550 has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between host computer 510 and UE 530 via base station 520, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from UE 530 or from the service provider operating host computer 510, or both. While OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

Wireless connection 570 between UE 530 and base station 520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE 530 using OTT connection 550, in which wireless connection 570 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and/or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, and/or extended battery lifetime.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring OTT connection 550 between host computer 510 and UE 530, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring OTT connection 550 may be implemented in software 511 and hardware 515 of host computer 510 or in software 531 and hardware 535 of UE 530, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which OTT connection 550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software 511, 531 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of OTT connection 550 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect base station 520, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to base station 520. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating host computer 510's measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements may be implemented in that software 511 and 531 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using OTT connection 550 while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 12 will be included in this section. In step 610, the host computer provides user data. In substep 611 (which may be optional) of step 610, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 620, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. In step 630 (which may be optional), the base station transmits to the UE the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 13 will be included in this section. In step 710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may pass via the base station, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 14 will be included in this section. In step 810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In substep 821 (which may be optional) of step 820, the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In substep 811 (which may be optional) of step 810, the UE executes a client application which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the UE initiates, in substep 830 (which may be optional), transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 15 will be included in this section. In step QQ910 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step QQ920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step QQ930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

FIG. 16 depicts a method 1000 by a first base station associated with a preferred access network. At step 1002, in response to fulfillment of a condition, the first base station initiates a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network. At step 1004, the first base station transmits, to the second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable.

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a virtual apparatus 1100 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown in FIG. 5). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device or network node (e.g., wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in FIG. 5). Apparatus 1500 is operable to carry out the example method described with reference to FIG. 16 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the method of FIG. 16 is not necessarily carried out solely by apparatus 1100. At least some operations of the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1100 may comprise processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause initiating module 1110, transmitting module 1120, and any other suitable units of apparatus 1100 to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to certain embodiments, initiating module 1110 may perform certain of the initiating functions of the apparatus 1100. For example, initiating module 1110 may initiate a handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network.

According to certain embodiments, transmitting module 1120 may perform certain of the transmitting functions of the apparatus 1100. For example, transmitting module 1120 may transmit, to the second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 18 depicts another method 1200 by a first base station associated with a preferred access network. At step 1202, in response to fulfillment of a condition, the first base station initiates a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network. At step 1204, the first base station transmits, to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.

In a particular embodiment, initiating the first handover of the wireless device includes transmitting a handover request to initiate the first handover of the wireless device from the first base station associated with the preferred access network to the second base station associated with the non-preferred access network.

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes determining, based on a mobility of the wireless device, that a third handover of the wireless device has been initiated to a third base station associated with a non-preferred access network. Information indicating that the wireless device is subject to the forced access change and that the second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled is transmitted to the third base station.

In a particular embodiment, the preferred access network is NG-RAN/5GC and the non-preferred access network is LTE/EPC.

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes determining that the condition is fulfilled when a voice call is established or initiated by or with the wireless device and the preferred access network lacks voice service for handling the voice call.

In a particular embodiment, the information is transmitted to the second base station in a Source to Target Transparent Container.

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes receiving information from the second base station in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable. The information requests the second handover of the wireless device to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment of the condition is related to a service associated with at least one of positioning, push-to-talk (PTT), and video telephony.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment of the condition is related to a service associated with at least one of global text telephony (GTT) and National Security Priority Services (NSPS).

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment of the condition is related to at least one traffic characteristic.

In a particular embodiment, the information comprises at least one of a reason for the forced access change, a return trigger for the second handover of the wireless device to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network, and an origin access description.

In a particular embodiment, the origin access description comprises a PLMN ID.

In a particular embodiment, the forced access change comprises an EPS fallback.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic block diagram of another virtual apparatus 1300 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown in FIG. 5). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device or network node (e.g., wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in FIG. 5). Apparatus 1300 is operable to carry out the example method described with reference to FIG. 18 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the method of FIG. 18 is not necessarily carried out solely by apparatus 1300. At least some operations of the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1300 may comprise processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause initiating module 1310, transmitting module 1320, and any other suitable units of apparatus 1300 to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to certain embodiments, initiating module 1310 may perform certain of the initiating functions of the apparatus 1300. For example, initiating module 1310 may initiate a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network in response to fulfillment of a condition.

According to certain embodiments, transmitting module 1320 may perform certain of the transmitting functions of the apparatus 1300. For example, transmitting module 1320 may transmit, to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 20 depicts a method 1400 by a first base station associated with a non-preferred access network. At step 1402, the first base station receives, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network. At step 1404, the first base station receives, from the second base station associated with the preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable. At step 1406, the first base station determines that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable. At step 1408, in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable, the first base station initiates the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station associated with the preferred access network.

FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a virtual apparatus 1500 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown in FIG. 5). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device or network node (e.g., wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in FIG. 5). Apparatus 1500 is operable to carry out the example method described with reference to FIG. 20 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the method of FIG. 20 is not necessarily carried out solely by apparatus 1500. At least some operations of the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1500 may comprise processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause first receiving module 1510, second receiving module 1520, determining module 1530, initiating module 1540, and any other suitable units of apparatus 1500 to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to certain embodiments, first receiving module 1510 may perform certain of the receiving functions of the apparatus 1500. For example, first receiving module 1510 may receive, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network.

According to certain embodiments, second receiving module 1520 may perform certain other of the receiving functions of the apparatus 1500. For example, second receiving module 1520 may receive, from the second base station associated with the preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable.

According to certain embodiments, determining module 1530 may perform certain of the determining functions of the apparatus 1500. For example, determining module 1530 may determine that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable.

According to certain embodiments, initiating module 1540 may perform certain of the initiating functions of the apparatus 1500. For example, initiating module 1540 may initiate the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station associated with the preferred access network.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 22 depicts a method 1600 by a first base station associated with a non-preferred access network. At step 1602, the first base station receives, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network. At step 1604, information is received, from the second base station associated with the preferred access network. The information indicates that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled. At step 1606, it is determined that the condition is no longer fulfilled. In response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled, the second handover of the wireless device is initiated to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network, at step 1608.

In a particular embodiment, the request for the first handover initiates the handover of the wireless device from the second base station associated with the preferred access network to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network.

In a particular embodiment, the condition comprises a voice call and the first handover of the wireless device to the first base station is initiated because the preferred access network lacks voice service for handling the voice call.

In a particular embodiment, determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled includes determining that the voice call has been terminated.

In a particular embodiment, the preferred access network is NG-RAN/5GC and the non-preferred access network is LTE/EPC.

In a particular embodiment, the information is received by the first base station in a Source to Target Transparent Container.

In a particular embodiment, initiating the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network includes transmitting a handover request to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment of the condition is related to a service associated with at least one of positioning, PTT, and video telephony.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment of the condition is related to a service associated with at least one of GTT and NSPS.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment of the condition is related to at least one traffic characteristic.

In a particular embodiment, the information includes at least one of a reason for the forced access change, a return trigger for the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network, and an origin access description.

In a particular embodiment, the origin access description comprises a PLMN ID.

In a particular embodiment, the forced access change comprises an EPS fallback.

FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a virtual apparatus 1700 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown in FIG. 5). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device or network node (e.g., wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in FIG. 5). Apparatus 1700 is operable to carry out the example method described with reference to FIG. 22 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that the method of FIG. 22 is not necessarily carried out solely by apparatus 1700. At least some operations of the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1700 may comprise processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause first receiving module 1710, second receiving module 1720, determining module 1730, initiating module 1740, and any other suitable units of apparatus 1700 to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to certain embodiments, first receiving module 1710 may perform certain of the receiving functions of the apparatus 1700. For example, first receiving module 1710 may receive, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network.

According to certain embodiments, second receiving module 1720 may perform certain other of the receiving functions of the apparatus 1700. For example, second receiving module 1720 may receive information from the second base station associated with the preferred access network. The information indicates that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled.

According to certain embodiments, determining module 1730 may perform certain of the determining functions of the apparatus 1700. For example, determining module 1530 may determine that the condition is no longer fulfilled.

According to certain embodiments, initiating module 1740 may perform certain of the initiating functions of the apparatus 1700. For example, initiating module 1740 may initiate the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic comprising software, hardware, and/or other logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Group A Embodiments

-   1. A method performed by a first base station associated with a     preferred access network, the method comprising:

in response to fulfillment of a condition, initiating a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network; and

transmitting, to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable.

-   2. The method of Embodiment 1, wherein initiating the first handover     of the wireless device comprises transmitting a handover request to     inmate the first handover of the wireless device from the first base     station associated with the preferred access network to the second     base station associated with the non-preferred access network. -   3. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, further comprising:     -   based on a mobility of the wireless device, determining that a         third handover of the wireless device has been initiated to a         third base station associated with a non-preferred access         network, and     -   transmitting, to the third base station, information indicating         that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that the         second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to         hand the wireless device back to the first base station         associated with the preferred access network as soon as the         condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable. -   4. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the     preferred access network is NG-RAN/5GC and the non-preferred access     network is LTE/EPC. -   5. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising:

determining that the condition is fulfilled when a voice call is established or initiated by or with the wireless device and the preferred access network lacks voice service for handling the voice call.

-   6. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the     information is transmitted to the second base station in a “Source     to Target Transparent Container.” -   7. The method of Embodiment 6, wherein the “Source to Target     Transparent Container indicates that the handover is due to a return     from a forced access change. -   8. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising:

in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable, receiving information from the second base station, the information requesting the second handover of the wireless device to the first base station associated with the preferred access network.

-   9. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the     fulfillment of the condition is service related and may include at     least one of positioning, PTT, and video telephony. -   10. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the     fulfillment of the condition is related to traffic characteristics. -   11. The method of Embodiment 10, wherein the information comprises     at least one of a reason, a return trigger, and/or an origin access     description.

Group B Embodiments

-   12. A method performed by a first base station associated with a     non-preferred access network, the method comprising:

receiving, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network;

receiving, from the second base station associated with the preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to EPS fallback and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable;

determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable; and

in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable, initiating the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station associated with the preferred access network.

-   13. The method of Embodiment 12, wherein the request for the first     handover initiates the handover of the wireless device from the     second base station associated with the preferred access network to     the first base station associated with the non-preferred access     network. -   14. The method of any one of Embodiments 12 to 13, wherein the     condition comprises a voice call and the first handover of the     wireless device to the first base station is initiated because the     preferred access network lacks voice service for handling the voice     call. -   15. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein determining that the     condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable comprises determining     that the voice call has been terminated. -   16. The method of any one of Embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the     preferred access network is NG-RAN/5GC and the non-preferred access     network is LTE/EPC. -   17. The method of any one of Embodiments 12 to 16, wherein the     information is received by the first base station in a “Source to     Target Transparent Container.” -   18. The method of Embodiment 17, wherein the “Source to Target     Transparent Container indicates that the first handover is due to a     return from a forced access change. -   19. The method of any one of Embodiments 12 to 18, wherein     initiating the second handover of the wireless device to the second     base station associated with the preferred access network comprises     transmitting a handover request to the second base station     associated with the preferred access network. -   20. The method of any one of Embodiments 12 to 19, wherein the     fulfillment of the condition is service related and may include at     least one of positioning, PTT, and video telephony. -   21. The method of any one of Embodiments 12 to 19, wherein the     fulfillment of the condition is related to traffic characteristics. -   22. The method of Embodiment 21, wherein the information comprises     at least one of a reason, a return trigger, and/or an origin access     description.

Group C Embodiments

-   23. A base station for improving network efficiency, the base     station comprising:

processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A and B embodiments;

power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the wireless device.

-   24. A communication system including a host computer comprising:

processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a wireless device comprising a user equipment (UE),

wherein the cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry, the base station's processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A and B embodiments.

-   25. The communication system of the pervious embodiment further     including the base station. -   26. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further     including the wireless device, wherein the wireless device comprises     a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base     station. -   27. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein:

the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and

the UE comprises processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

-   28. A method implemented in a communication system including a host     computer, a base station and a wireless device, the wireless device     comprising a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

at the host computer, providing user data; and

at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps of any of the Group A and B embodiments.

-   29. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising, at     the base station, transmitting the user data. -   30. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, wherein the user data     is provided at the host computer by executing a host application,     the method further comprising, at the UE, executing a client     application associated with the host application. -   31. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base     station, the UE comprising a radio interface and processing     circuitry configured to performs the of the previous 3 embodiments. -   32. A communication system including a host computer comprising a     communication interface configured to receive user data originating     from a transmission from a wireless device to a base station,     wherein the wireless device comprises a user equipment (UE), wherein     the base station comprises a radio interface and processing     circuitry, the base station's processing circuitry configured to     perform any of the steps of any of the Group A and B embodiments. -   33. The communication system of the previous embodiment further     including the base station. -   34. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further     including the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with     the base station. -   35. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein:     the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to     execute a host application; the UE is configured to execute a client     application associated with the host application, thereby providing     the user data to be received by the host computer.

ABBREVIATIONS

At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations, preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequent listing(s).

1x RTT CDMA2000 1x Radio Transmission Technology

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

5G 5th Generation

5GC 5G Core Network (same as NGC)

5GS 5G System

5QI 5G QoS Identifier

ABS Almost Blank Subframe

AMF Access and Mobility Management Function

AN Access Network

AN Access Node

ARQ Automatic Repeat Request

AS Access Stratum

AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise

BCCH Broadcast Control Channel

BCH Broadcast Channel

CA Carrier Aggregation

CC Carrier Component

CCCH SDU Common Control Channel SDU

CDMA Code Division Multiplexing Access

CGI Cell Global Identifier

CIR Channel Impulse Response

CN Core Network

CP Cyclic Prefix

CPICH Common Pilot Channel

CPICH Ec/No CPICH Received energy per chip divided by the power density in the band

CQI Channel Quality information

C-RNTI Cell RNTI

CSI Channel State Information

DC Dual Connectivity

DCCH Dedicated Control Channel

DL Downlink

DM Demodulation

DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal

DRX Discontinuous Reception

DTX Discontinuous Transmission

DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel

DUT Device Under Test

E-CID Enhanced Cell-ID (positioning method)

E-SMLC Evolved-Serving Mobile Location Centre

ECGI Evolved CGI

eMBB Enhanced Mobile BroadBand

eNB E-UTRAN NodeB

ePDCCH enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel

EPS Evolved Packet System

E-SMLC evolved Serving Mobile Location Center

E-UTRA Evolved UTRA

E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

FDD Frequency Division Duplex

FFS For Further Study

GERAN GSM EDGE Radio Access Network

gNB gNode B (5G NB; a base station in NR; a Node B supporting NR and connectivity to NGC)

GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

GSM Global System for Mobile communication

HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

HO Handover

HSPA High Speed Packet Access

HRPD High Rate Packet Data

IWF Interworking Function

LOS Line of Sight

LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

LTE Long-Term Evolution

MAC Medium Access Control

MBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services

MBSFN Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency Network

MBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank Subframe

MDT Minimization of Drive Tests

MIB Master Information Block

MME Mobility Management Entity

MSC Mobile Switching Center

NGC Next Generation Core

NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel

NR New Radio

OCNG OFDMA Channel Noise Generator

OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access

OSS Operations Support System

OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival

O&M Operation and Maintenance

PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

P-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical Channel

PCell Primary Cell

PCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator Channel

PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

PDP Profile Delay Profile

PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

PGW Packet Gateway

PHICH Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel

PLMN Public Land Mobile Network

PMI Precoder Matrix Indicator

PRACH Physical Random Access Channel

PRS Positioning Reference Signal

PS Packet Switched

PSS Primary Synchronization Signal

PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

RACH Random Access Channel

QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

RAB Radio Access Bearer

RAN Radio Access Network

RANAP Radio Access Network Application Part

RAT Radio Access Technology

RLM Radio Link Management

RNC Radio Network Controller

RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier

RRC Radio Resource Control

RRM Radio Resource Management

RS Reference Signal

RSCP Received Signal Code Power

RSRP Reference Symbol Received Power OR Reference Signal Received Power

RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality OR Reference Symbol Received Quality

RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator

RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference

RWR Release with Redirect

SCH Synchronization Channel

SCell Secondary Cell

SCS Subcarrier Spacing

SDU Service Data Unit

SFN System Frame Number

SGW Serving Gateway

SI System Information

SIB System Information Block

SNR Signal to Noise Ratio

S-NSSAI Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information

SON Self Optimized Network

SS Synchronization Signal

SSS Secondary Synchronization Signal

TBS Transport Block Size

TDD Time Division Duplex

TDOA Time Difference of Arrival

TOA Time of Arrival

TSS Tertiary Synchronization Signal

TTI Transmission Time Interval

UE User Equipment

UL Uplink

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival

UTRA Universal Terrestrial Radio Access

UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

WCDMA Wide CDMA

WLAN Wide Local Area Network 

1.-52. (canceled)
 53. A method performed by a first base station associated with a preferred access network, the method comprising: in response to fulfillment of a condition, initiating a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network; and transmitting, to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein initiating the first handover of the wireless device comprises transmitting a handover request to initiate the first handover of the wireless device from the first base station associated with the preferred access network to the second base station associated with the non-preferred access network.
 55. The method of claim 53, further comprising: based on a mobility of the wireless device, determining that a third handover of the wireless device has been initiated to a third base station associated with a non-preferred access network, and transmitting, to the third base station, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to the forced access change and that the second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.
 56. The method of claim 53, wherein the preferred access network is NG-RAN/5GC and the non-preferred access network is LTE/EPC.
 57. The method of claim 53, further comprising: determining that the condition is fulfilled when a voice call is established or initiated by or with the wireless device and the preferred access network lacks voice service for handling the voice call.
 58. The method of claim 53, wherein the information is transmitted to the second base station in a Source to Target Transparent Container.
 59. The method of claim 53, further comprising: in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled or applicable, receiving information from the second base station, the information requesting the second handover of the wireless device to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network.
 60. The method of claim 53, wherein the fulfillment of the condition is related to a one or more of a service associated with at least one of positioning, push-to-talk (PTT), and video telephony, a service associated with at least one of global text telephony (GTT) and National Security Priority Services (NSPS), at least one traffic characteristic.
 61. The method of claim 53, wherein the information comprises at least one of a reason for the forced access change, a return trigger for the second handover of the wireless device to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network, and an origin access description.
 62. A method performed by a first base station associated with a non-preferred access network, the method comprising: receiving, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network; receiving, from the second base station associated with the preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled; determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled; and in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled, initiating the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the request for the first handover initiates the handover of the wireless device from the second base station associated with the preferred access network to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network.
 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the condition comprises a voice call and the first handover of the wireless device to the first base station is initiated because the preferred access network lacks voice service for handling the voice call.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled comprises determining that the voice call has been terminated.
 66. The method of claim 62, wherein the preferred access network is NG-RAN/5GC and the non-preferred access network is LTE/EPC.
 67. The method of claim 62, wherein the information is received by the first base station in a Source to Target Transparent Container.
 68. The method of claim 62, wherein initiating the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network comprises transmitting a handover request to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network.
 69. The method of claim 62, wherein the fulfillment of the condition is related to a one or more of: a service associated with at least one of positioning, push-to-talk (PTT), and video telephony, a service associated with at least one of global text telephony (GTT) and National Security Priority Services (NSPS), at least one traffic characteristic.
 70. The method of claim 62, wherein the information comprises at least one of a reason for the forced access change, a return trigger for the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network, and an origin access description.
 71. A first base station comprising: processing circuitry configured to: in response to fulfillment of a condition, initiate a first handover of a wireless device to a second base station associated with a non-preferred access network; and transmit, to a second base station associated with the non-preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated to hand the wireless device back to the first base station or another base station associated with the preferred access network as soon as the condition is no longer fulfilled.
 72. A first base station comprising: processing circuitry configured to: receive, from a second base station associated with a preferred access network, a request for a first handover of a wireless device to the first base station associated with the non-preferred access network; receive, from the second base station associated with the preferred access network, information indicating that the wireless device is subject to a forced access change and that a second handover of the wireless device should be initiated as soon as a condition is no longer fulfilled; determine that the condition is no longer fulfilled; and in response to determining that the condition is no longer fulfilled, initiate the second handover of the wireless device to the second base station or the other base station associated with the preferred access network. 